OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 21, 2013) - The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, commended the efforts of Canada Border Services Agency officers following their announcement in Mississauga today of a significant seizure of opium and heroin. Agents discovered 38 kilograms of opium and three kilograms of heroin, with an estimated value of more than $2.3 million and $1.2 million respectively. The narcotics were turned over to the RCMP.

"I would like to commend the Canada Border Service Agency officers for their vigilance in detecting these illicit drugs," said Minister Toews. "Their efforts have prevented these harmful substances and their devastating effects from reaching our communities. Trafficking of illicit drugs is one of the root causes of violent crime.

Our government will continue to work with domestic and international partners to address the global drug problem. We are committed to protecting the Canadian public so that our communities are safe places for people to live, raise their families and do business."